About the Club

The Club

Hursley Karate Club is dedicated to upholding the traditions of Shotokan Karate while embracing the spirit of progress. Our mission is to provide a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages to learn and grow through the practice of Karate-do. We aim to cultivate not only physical strength and agility but also mental fortitude and inner peace.

History of Karate

Karate-do, meaning "empty hand way," originated in the Ryukyu Islands (now Okinawa, Japan), blending Okinawan self-defense techniques with Chinese martial arts. Initially taught in secrecy, it later became part of Okinawan school curriculums in the early 20th century.

Masters like Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan, introduced Karate to mainland Japan, where it thrived alongside other Budo disciplines. Today, millions worldwide practice Karate, balancing tradition, competition, and self-discipline, with styles like Shotokan preserving its core values and techniques.

Principles of Shotokan Karate

The dojo, meaning "place of training," is the heart of your Karate journey. Within its walls lies the dojo kun, a set of principles guiding behavior and fostering a positive learning environment. These principles are often displayed prominently within the dojo and sometimes recited at the end of class.The Five Pillars of the Dojo Kun:

1. Seek Perfection of Character: Karate transcends mere physical techniques. Here, we cultivate inner strength through discipline and focused training. Beginners, especially the young, lay a foundation by perfecting basic techniques through repetition. As their skills grow, so too does their confidence, building the spirit to overcome challenges inside and outside the dojo – be it personal struggles or external pressures. It's a long road, but one that yields lifelong benefits of inner peace and resilience.
2. Loyalty: Faithfulness to your sensei and dojo is a core principle, echoing the samurai tradition and Confucian values. Think of it as a two-way street: your unwavering commitment encourages your sensei to share a deeper well of knowledge and wisdom. This precious bond between teacher and student forms the bedrock of your learning path.
3. Endeavour: Mastery demands unwavering dedication and commitment. Superficial efforts won't suffice – genuine, consistent striving is key. Your sensei will recognize and reward your sincere effort, investing more time and guidance in your growth.
4. Respect: Respect for others is woven into the very fabric of Japanese and Okinawan cultures, and by extension, the martial arts. Gichin Funakoshi, a Karate pioneer, famously declared that "karate begins and ends with respect." He emphasized that courtesy forms the cornerstone of the dojo environment. This respect is expressed through proper bowing and courteous conduct in all aspects of life – towards your sensei, family, educators, and the world around you.
5. Self-Control: A trained martial artist possesses strength and a competitive spirit. However, true power lies in using these gifts for good. A karate-ka's unwavering spirit is for self-defense and upholding justice, not for needless aggression. True character allows you to walk away from a fight, demonstrating control over your emotions and inner peace. Your victories lie in mastering yourself, not in inflicting harm.